Western Nepal is an emerging destination when it comes to wildlife spotting, and Community Homestay Network, the pioneer of community-led tourism in Nepal, is announcing a new tour taking travelers to this lesser-visited part of the country, simultaneously helping to distribute wealth via tourism, to empower women and youth, and safeguard Indigenous traditions and cultures.
Western Nepal is an emerging destination when it comes to wildlife spotting, and Community Homestay Network, the pioneer of community-led tourism in Nepal, is announcing a new tour taking travelers to this lesser-visited part of the country, simultaneously helping to distribute wealth via tourism, to empower women and youth, and safeguard Indigenous traditions and cultures.
The communities of Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal are home to the Indigenous Tharu people. This new, multi-day itinerary – Live the Tharu Way: Journey through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – is available to book now, and as well as wildlife spotting in remote areas, travelers will be hosted by local families at homestays as they are introduced to their way of rural life.
Shiva Dhakal, the founder of Community Homestay Network, which was this year named one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’ – says community tourism is a powerful force that goes well beyond travel.
“This new itinerary epitomizes what Community Homestay Network stands for. At a time where overtourism is a real concern, there are places that can benefit greatly from having a well-managed number of travelers visit. Our homestays and other experiences offer visitors a two-way exchange, building meaningful connections between travelers and local people.
“Both Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal see very few tourists, making them an exciting alternative for wildlife-spotting to more well-known Chitwan, with Bardiya very much still opening up to tourism.
“As well as having a special wildlife and cultural experience, this itinerary will help to preserve the traditions that are so unique to the Tharu people. Community tourism empowers women and youth in terms of employment, brings money into the local community’s economy, and helps mitigate urban migration as more jobs are created,” says Dhakal.
Spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people. The Tharu originated in India centuries ago, and now have traditions, language and cuisine that resemble both hill Nepali and North Indian cultures.
Experiencing local community life, cooking classes and culture at the Bhada Community Homestay and Bardiya Community Homestay in western Nepal.
Going wildlife spotting on a Jeep safari in Bardiya National Park, searching for elephants, rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Locally owned and operated, Community Homestay Network was developed to bring tourism to Nepal responsibly and sustainably, and to encourage entrepreneurship in local communities significantly benefitting women, youths, and marginalized communities while safeguarding local culture and tradition. With a strong focus on co-creation, Community Homestay Network (CHN) collaborates with 50 communities across Nepal, actively engaging local residents to assist in developing and managing their tourism services. Locally owned and operated, the award-winning Community Homestay Network currently has 50 different experiences available for travelers to book, made up of 40 community homestays and 10 experiences focussed on spending time with local artisans. This year, Community Homestay Network was named as one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’.
The American Society of Travel Advisors, a leading travel trade association, is urging the Trump Administration to reconsider its travel bans.
“Every administration has the responsibility to protect national security, and that duty should never be taken lightly,” stated ASTA President & CEO Zane Kerby. “But sweeping, country-wide travel bans are a blunt instrument accompanied by sweeping, unintended consequences—hindering legitimate business, discouraging visitors who strengthen our economy while simultaneously discouraging Americans from traveling abroad.
“Travel bans, and simply the threat of such bans, don’t just disrupt inbound travel, they risk diplomatic strain and create uncertainty that ripples throughout the travel industry. That uncertainty harms the businesses of our travel advisor members, 98 percent of which are small businesses comprising an essential piece of the U.S. economy.
“ASTA acknowledges the real need for effective visa compliance and traveler vetting, and we hope our leaders will work collaboratively with the nations involved to resolve those issues without cutting off entire populations. We urge U.S. policymakers to pursue balanced, thoughtful solutions that uphold both our safety and our ideals while allowing the travel industry to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
“Safe and secure travel is not just good policy. It is the foundation of international cooperation, economic growth and mutual understanding.”
On June 17, 2025, the Administration demanded action from 36 additional countries within 60 days to avoid a potential “travel ban” enacted by the U.S. government. This follows a full ban on 12 countries and restrictions on seven others, effective June 9.
The full list contains numerous destinations important both for leisure and business travel. Travel bans are intended to impact those coming in—but can trigger reciprocal restrictions, meaning U.S. citizens may find themselves unwelcome abroad. Even without formal retaliation, these actions can make Americans hesitant to travel to targeted countries, chilling outbound demand and complicating global travel planning.
ASTA fundamentally believes that the U.S. government has both a right and obligation to keep our country safe, but also that safe and secure travel are foundational to the world and the U.S. travel industry.
ASTA strongly restates this position and encourages policymakers to seek solutions that balance security with the fundamental rewards of travel—understanding, cultural exchange and economic growth.
The U.S. travel industry contributed $2.6 trillion to the economy last year and supported more than 20 million jobs. It also contributed more than $585 billion in tax revenue. As of May, before the latest round of tariffs and travel bans, Trump’s actions were estimated to cost $13 billion in lost receipts from international visitors.
Travel Advisors Signal Growing Concern Amid Shifting International Travel Landscape
Meanwhile, ASTA released findings from its June 2025 follow-up survey of U.S. travel advisors, highlighting a noticeable shift in sentiment and business strategies compared to similar data gathered in March 2025. The surveys explored the impact of recent federal executive actions, travel bans and tariffs on the travel industry.
“Our members expressed their views plainly in our most recent national survey,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “They are seeing hesitation in their clients, cancellations in their bookings and fear in their conversations. They are shouldering the burden of misinformation and working overtime to educate and protect the travelers who count on them most. For some, business is still thriving. For others, survival demands a pivot toward new markets, safer regions, more flexible pricing and above all, clear-eyed strategy.”
The full results of the survey are proprietary and an ASTA Premium Member benefit along with an accompanying white paper compiled by ASTA staff. The efforts are intended to help guide industry leaders during this time of uncertainty.
“In the travel industry, uncertainty is poison,” Kerby said. “We know that when consumers feel unsure about the state of the economy, about global conflict, about whether they’ll be welcome at their destination—they pause. They wait. Sometimes, they cancel their travel plans altogether. In that moment, our members who are the backbone of the travel economy pay the price.”
Survey results show a moderate but clear downward shift in consumer demand between March and June. While the proportion of agencies reporting a significant drop in demand held steady, those noting a slight decrease rose from 32.5% to 38.8%. This reflects a broadening impact across consumer segments.
The perception of policy-driven disruption also intensified. In June, more advisors pointed to both tariffs (27.9%) and travel bans (12.4%) as key factors affecting their business, up from 23.1% and 8.3%, respectively, in March.
Postponements of international travel climbed to nearly 59% in June, up from 49% in March. While outright cancellations saw a slight decrease, this shift suggests that while travelers haven’t given up on international trips entirely, they’re increasingly opting to wait and see.
International leisure travel remains the hardest hit segment of advisor business, with 69.2% of advisors citing it as the most affected category—up a striking 9.2 percentage points from March.
Respondents across both surveys voiced concerns over economic instability, misinformation and fears related to international safety and immigration policy. However, tone and urgency shifted notably from March to June. Many advisors are “anxiously reactive,” noting the mounting sense of burnout, client frustration and realignment of business models.
Themes in commentary included concerns about international perception of U.S. travelers, client hesitations rooted in political rhetoric and economic headwinds impacting discretionary spending.
“Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, travel interest is still high, but so are the potential risks and roadblocks,” said Michael Schottey, ASTA Vice President of Membership, Marketing and Communications. “Understanding what’s changing and how agencies are responding is key. ASTA is here to support that process and ensure the travel advisor community stays informed, prepared and connected.”
Non-Profit Leader in Educational Travel Establishes June 8th as Annual National Observance, ‘Age Adventurously Day,’ in Celebration of 50th Anniversary
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults, released a new report indicating that adventure is a key contributor to the happiness and health of aging adults. Based on a survey of 300 adults aged 50 to 98, Road Scholar’s findings reveal that 94% of older adults who embrace adventurous activities – whether through travel, lifelong learning or stepping outside their comfort zones – report higher levels of wellbeing.
In addition to the report, the organization has announced a new national observance on its 50th anniversary June 8th, “Age Adventurously Day,” kicking off with a contest offering one lucky winner a travel voucher, among other prizes.
“Our Age Adventurously Report findings reinforce what we’ve always believed — adventure enriches both health and happiness, and our desire for new experiences only grows with age,” said James Moses, CEO of Road Scholar. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re proud to launch Age Adventurously Day, proving adventure is not bound by age, but rather fueled by curiosity. We encourage everyone to spend June 8th doing something adventurous – whether that be trying out a new sport, tasting an exotic food, or exploring a new destination.”
Road Scholar’s Age Adventurously Report offers compelling insights into the connection between aging, adventure and wellbeing. Compared to previous generations, today’s older adults are more adventurous than ever before.
Here’s a look at a few standout findings:
Educational Experiences Spark Interest in Distant Destinations and Frequent Travel: Road Scholar’s survey results indicate that older adults who engage in educational travel are more likely to explore distant destinations and travel more often compared to their peers. Thirty-two percent of participants surveyed reported that the majority of their travel is international. Road Scholar participants also tend to travel more frequently with 45% of those polled taking 4-8 trips annually, compared to 26% of those not involved with the organization.
Adventure Adds to Health and Happiness: Nearly 100% of older adults surveyed agreed that being adventurous contributes to their health, happiness and wellbeing. In fact, Road Scholar participants above the age of 50 who actively embrace new experiences indicated feeling just as happy as they were in their 20s, 30s or 40s – scoring an average of 3.2 on a 5-point scale ranking happiness from “not happier” to “extremely happier.”
Adventurousness Across Generations: When asked if their generation was more adventurous in older adulthood than their parents’ generation, 75% of Gen Xers agreed and 89% of Boomers and Silent Gen concurred – showing that older adults have evolved to be more adventurous.
Celebrate Age Adventurously Day
In addition to its recent survey findings and in celebration of the company’s founding date and 50th-anniversary – underscoring its ongoing mission of inspiring lifelong learning – Road Scholar has declared June 8th as Age Adventurously Day. This now-approved annual observance, certified by the National Day Archives, aims to motivate older adults to break free of their routines, seek out fresh opportunities, and redefine what it means to age.
On June 8th each calendar year, Age Adventurously Day will serve as a reminder to individuals that aging does not mean the end of adventure, but rather a new beginning full of opportunities. The day invites everyone within the Road Scholar community and beyond to embrace the spirit of adventure, stepping beyond the ordinary, trying something they’ve always wanted to do, and making aging an adventure.
To kick off the inaugural Age Adventurously Day, Road Scholar is hosting a special contest. Participants are invited to share their plans for the day or submit stories and photos of their adventures at www.ageadventurously.org. One winner will receive a $1,500 travel voucher for a Road Scholar program, along with other prizes. Entries will be accepted through June 13, with the winner selected at random.
“Since 1975, Road Scholar has defied aging stereotypes every day, proving that adventure does not have an expiration date,” said Moses. “We want to inspire an Age Adventurously movement and encourage people around the world to take part in Age Adventurously Day, sharing their stories and empowering others to join the lifelong adventure.”
Click here to view Road Scholar’s full Age Adventurously report.
WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2023) – The business outlook for hotels remains strong for the remainder of 2023 thanks to an uptick in business travel and a healthy preference among business and leisure travelers to stay in hotels.
The survey found that 32% of Americans are likely to travel overnight for Thanksgiving, up from 28% a year earlier, while 34% are likely to travel overnight for Christmas, up from 31% last year. Meanwhile, 37% of Americans said they were likely to travel overnight for leisure during the last three months of 2023, down slightly from 39% in 2022.
The survey also found that travel attitudes have largely returned to pre-pandemic norms. 71% of Americans now say their likelihood of staying in hotels is the same as prior to the pandemic, and nearly 70% of business travelers say their employers have either returned to the pre-pandemic normal or increased amounts of business travel. This is good news for hoteliers, as business travel is one of hotels’ main sources of revenue.
The survey of 4,006 adults was conducted Sept. 18-23, 2023.
Other key findings:
45% of Americans said they are more likely to stay in a hotel this holiday season than they were last year.
44% of Americans said they are likely to take more leisure/vacation trips this holiday season than they did last year.
59% of those planning to travel overnight for Thanksgiving plan to stay with family or friends, while 30% plan to stay at a hotel.
62% of those planning to travel overnight for Christmas plan to stay with family or friends, while 26% plan to stay at a hotel.
“Hotels are going above and beyond to take excellent care of guests as travel approaches pre-COVID levels, and this survey underscores that fact,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “America’s nearly 62,500 hotels are a bright spot for the nation’s economy. To continue growing, they need to hire more people, but a nationwide shortage of workers is preventing hotels from regaining all the jobs we lost to the pandemic. There are a number of steps Congress can take to help address our industry’s workforce challenges. Those include establishing an H-2B returning worker exemption, passing the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, and passing the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act.”
WASHINGTON – A federal government shutdown is estimated to cost the U.S. travel economy as much as $140 million a day, according to new analysis for the U.S. Travel Association—underscoring the dire consequences of Congress failing to pass a short-term extension by September 30.
“Each day that passes will cost the travel economy $140 million, an unacceptable prospect that Congress must avoid before the clock runs out and the damages mount,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “The federal government is already failing the traveler—a shutdown would be further proof of Washington’s inability to find reasonable solutions to problems that affect Americans nationwide.”
Other government-related travel issues—such as lengthy visitor visa interview wait times and passport and Global Entry processing delays—further constrain travel growth and spending.
SURVEY: AMERICANS WILL CANCEL OR AVOID AIR TRAVEL IN FACE OF SHUTDOWN
During a government shutdown, the U.S. air travel system is hampered by more flight delays, longer screening lines and setbacks in air travel modernization.
A new survey from Ipsos and U.S. Travel further underscores these steep negative consequences: Six in 10 Americans (60%) would cancel or avoid trips by air in the event of a shutdown.
Further, a large majority of Americans—regardless of political party—are not in favor of a government shutdown, especially from a travel perspective. More than eight in 10 of all Americans agree government shutdowns hurt the economy (81%), inconvenience air travelers (86%), impact businesses that depend on air travelers (83%) as well as tourist attractions like national parks, museums and local businesses (83%).
CONGRESS MUST PASS SHORT-TERM FAA EXTENSION
Coinciding with the federal budget deadline, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authorization is set to expire on September 30. Congress has yet to pass a full FAA reauthorization bill, so they must pass a temporary extension of FAA programs. Inaction on an FAA renewal bill would further compound challenges for travelers.
U.S. Travel Association is calling on Congress to pass a short-term extension by September 30 and continues to call on the Senate to act quickly on a long-term FAA reauthorization bill.
“This completely avoidable situation threatens livelihoods and jobs across the U.S. economy,” said Freeman. “Ultimately, travelers, businesses and workers will pay the price if lawmakers fail to enact a stop-gap funding bill.”
The U.S. travel industry, on the rebound after the crushing pandemic, generates $1.9 trillion in economic output, accounts for 2.9% of U.S. GDP, and employs 15 million people.
U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.2 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.
HONOLULU –The West Maui communities of Kā‘anapali, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kapalua will fully reopen on Sunday, October 8, two months after the August 8 wildfires destroyed Lahaina, Governor Josh Green, M.D., declared in a statewide address.
Hawai‘i residents and visitors are encouraged to make travel plans to Maui and support the island’s businesses, restaurants, retail outlets, attractions, and accommodations. All previous restrictions for travel to West Maui communities north of Lahaina will be lifted October 8 and no one should be discouraged or reluctant to go and support the businesses and workers that rely on tourism in West Maui for their families’ livelihood.
“Beginning October 8, all travel restrictions will end and West Maui will be open to visitors again, so people from Hawaiʻi and around the world can resume travel to this special place and help it begin to recover economically,” Governor Green stated. “This difficult decision is meant to bring hope for recovery to the families and businesses on Maui that have been so deeply affected in every way by the disaster.”
Lahaina itself will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town’s residents. County, state, and federal emergency responders continue with efforts to identify victims and the missing, and conduct clean-up efforts of debris and hazardous materials resulting from the wildfires.
“No one in Hawai‘i will ever forget the tragedy that our friends, families, loved ones, and colleagues in Lahaina are enduring,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, Chief Administrative Officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. “The response from residents statewide and by people around the world to support Maui’s recovery has been incredible and inspiring. Now is the time for people everywhere to show their support for Maui by booking trips, making restaurant reservations, and frequenting Maui’s retail stores and attractions that support workers and their families.”
“Amidst the tragedy, the spirit of Maui remains strong. Beginning October 8th, all of Maui is open and welcoming visitors with the exception of Lahaina (see this map for reference). If you are considering visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands in the near future, including the accessible areas of Maui, please know that respectful travel is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever,” the Hawaii Visitors Bureau stated.
Your visit will support Hawaiʻi’s economy and make a positive impact, especially when you are mindful:
• Visit with aloha and compassion. • Support local businesses. • Consider participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands. • Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lahaina but stay away from the area as a means of respect for the people and places that have been lost during this devastating tragedy.
While relief efforts continue in West Maui, you can also make a donation to help communities and families recover through the Maui Strong Fund.
For the most updated information, visit Maui Travel Updates. “Mahalo for your support as we collectively mālama (care for) Maui.”
For the latest information on travel to the Hawaiian Islands, visit gohawaii.com.
This week, New York State’s Olympic facilities at Lake Placid are hosting the FISU World University Games, welcoming 1,443 collegiate-athletes plus coaches and fans from more than 540 universities and 46 nations.
The Lake Placid 2023 FISU Games, going on until January 22, feature competition in 12 winter sports and 85 events including skiing and snowboarding, curling, figure skating, ice hockey and speed skating in venues throughout the Adirondack North Country in Lake Placid as well as Wilmington, Saranac Lake, Potsdam, Canton and North Creek. (The competition schedule and tickets to the events are available here.)
The prestigious event is an opportunity to showcase for the world the state’s world-class Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) facilities, enhanced with a six-year, $552 million investment to help maintain the region’s standing as a world-class winter sport destination fitting for an Olympic-sized event, for the lasting benefit of New York’s $16.1 billion winter tourism industry.
“We made transformative investments to renovate the Lake Placid Olympic Center, revitalized our airports, improved our roads and bridges and grew our regional sports infrastructure to ensure that Lake Placid is well-positioned to host the games,” Governor Kathy Hochul said when she opened the games.
“The event will once again put Lake Placid on a global stage, drawing thousands of visitors to the region and inviting millions more to watch the games via ESPN in the United States, TSN in Canada and FISU TV. For many, it will be the first time they’ll see the bold and picturesque Adirondack Mountains, vibrant downtown Lake Placid and our world-class Olympic Regional Development Authority ski areas and venues. And these games offer a chance to showcase the New York’s thriving winter tourism industry.”
Special events like the games that spark additional travel generate even more spending in our restaurants, hotels and businesses, supporting jobs in a hospitality industry still rebuilding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. State-supported ORDA venues are open year-round for events, athlete training and recreation. Once the World University Games have finished, these same facilities will host this winter season the World Cup in Ski Jumping, NCAA Alpine and Cross-Country Skiing Championships, Synchronized Figure Skating World Championships. The Bobsled Skeleton World Championships will follow in February 2025, and IBU Biathlon Cups are planned in February and March 2026.
Last winter, New York welcomed 68.5 million visitors, generating more than $16.1 billion in direct visitor spending. ORDA’s economic impact for New York State was last measured at $273.6 million for 2019-2020, a 75 percent increase over the previous 2016-2017 measurement of $156 million.
New York State has made significant investments in the North Country totaling $552 million over the last six years in preparation for the World University Games, and ongoing support for the competitive sports infrastructure and regional tourism. Investments have helped to renovate facilities owned and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority, such as the $104 million renovation of the Lake Placid Olympic Center, and other host facilities like the nearly $7 million overhaul of the Saranac Lake Civic Center.
The improvements are a legacy that will be enjoyed by New York’s skiers and winter visitors for years to come.
ORDA has been steadily improving the snowmaking infrastructure throughout its ski areas, particularly over the last ten years. These upgrades have increased the efficiency of snowmaking operations, allowing for the mountains to open terrain faster, and earlier in the season when temperatures allow. The modernized systems, which utilize energy more effectively, also are a key part of ORDA’s award-winning sustainability initiatives: solar energy at the alpine venues, state of the art snowmaking equipment that significantly reduces water and energy use, EV charging stations, e-zambonis and hybrid grooming equipment, LED lighting.
Indeed, in conjunction with the FISU Games, a World Conference was convened to share information about the initiatives and actions they have implemented to mitigate climate change and save winter from global warming. From venue design and infrastructure to sustainably sourced items to the LED torch and flameless cauldron, the Host Partners and New York State set a new standard for a commitment to the environment for future events.
Improved Winter Facilities at ORDA Venues
This winter, New Yorkers and the rest of the world will enjoy upgrades, renovations, snowmaking improvements to Olympic Regional Development Authority-operated ski venues: Gore Mountain in North Creek, Belleayre Mount in Highmount, Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, and Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid.
Gore Mountain: New this season is Backwoods, an intermediate trail that begins at the top of Burnt Ridge Mountain and parallels the Barkeater Glades. The trail ends uphill of Roaring Brook Bridge and provides faster and more direct access to Little Gore Mountain and the North Creek Ski Bowl. Over 230 new high-efficiency snow guns have been installed on Backwoods, Showcase, Uncas, Paradox, Peaceful Valley, and Chatiemac. For the FISU Games, crews developed the sanctioned slopestyle and boardercross courses, enhanced snowmaking and widened the terrain. The FIS-certified race trail, Echo, was also bolstered with increased snowmaking capacity to accommodate the venue’s busy calendar of alpine events and recreational skiers and riders throughout the season. (goremountain.com, Gore Mountain Snow Report)
Whiteface Mountain: New this season is the Ausable Run, a beginner trail off the Warhorse Quad lift, and Yellow Dot, an expert trail connecting the top of Victoria to Lower Skyward. Whiteface installed 35,000 feet of new pipe, 160 high-efficiency snow guns, and 245 new hydrants. Additionally, two new Pisten Bully groomers join the fleet. After hosting Lake Placid 2023 FISU Winter World University Games alpine competitions, Whiteface will host the NCAA Regionals and National Championship in Alpine, the Empire State Games and other regional races. The mountain will be open to the public during the event dates for skiing and riding, and spectators can view the events in the newly designed Andrew Weibrecht Finish Area. Additional improvements to the race area include enhancements to the Freeway lift, timing and radio systems, and power to the finish building. (whiteface.com, Whiteface Mountain Snow Report)
Belleayre Mountain installed 60,000 additional feet of new pipe, a new snowmaking pump, and added 300 high-efficiency snow guns. A new retail space relocated upstairs on the main floor of Discovery Lodge provides guests with a renewed shopping experience with a view. (belleayre.com, Belleayre Mountain Snow Report.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg: The Mt Van Hoevenberg transformation was completed in 2020, providing a world-class facility and 5 km of World Championship-rated cross-country skiing trails for training and racing. The trails carry tremendous snowmaking power, from the number of high-efficiency snow guns and hydrants to its reservoir capacity, providing state-of-the-art snowmaking for a Nordic Center. Thanks to the state’s investment ORDA will host multiple World Cup competitions. Recently, Mt Van Hoevenberg was awarded the International Biathlon Union (IBU) Cup for 2026. This is in addition to the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Cup in Bobsled and Skeleton taking place at the Mt Van Hoevenberg Sliding Center December 16-18, and at its sister venue, the Olympic Jumping Complex, the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup will return this winter, February 10-12, 2023. For non-competitive athletes, Mt. Van hoevenberg offers some of the most exciting opportunities to feel like an Olympian: a state-of-the-art combined skeleton and bobsled track and North America’s longest mountain coaster, The Cliffside Coaster. 50km of cross country skiing trails, you can even try your hand at the biathalon. There is also a new Mountain Pass Lodge. (mtvanhoevenberg.com, Mt Van Hoevenberg Snow Report)
The SKI3 Season Pass provides the greatest flexibility and savings for skiing and riding at Whiteface, Belleayre, and Gore. Single day tickets are also at the lowest prices of the season and should be purchased in advance to secure desired days this winter.
“Winter is always an amazing time to travel in New York, which has more ski areas than any other state in the nation,” said Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi. “ORDA’s world class ski facilities, along with scores of private ski areas across the state, make for an unparalleled ski experience. When paired with activities from snowmobiling and winter carnivals to ice wine tastings and spa getaways to the FISU World University Games, visitors can come be a part of the ultimate winter wonderland and find what they love in New York State.”
Information on skiing and other winter activities statewide is available at iloveny.com/winter and iskiny.com. Updated downhill and cross-country ski reports for all of New York State courtesy of Ski NY and Cross-Country Ski Areas of NY are available on 1-800-ILOVENY and linked on iloveny.com.
Price led decision making will drive change in 2023: consumers will still travel but how they spend will differ
Give us a break; 41% of consumers are planning more vacations in 2023 as 2022, and 46% are planning to do the same number of trips
Savvy consumers are shopping around and pocket-friendly destinations are leading the way – Portugal rises in popularity and drops in price
Swap sunbathing for forest bathing; getting amongst nature will be a priority – both for mental health and to avoid price peaks around beach destinations
‘Me time’ set to make the mainstream next year; over half (53%) of travelers are considering a solo trip next year, with divorcees and singles over-indexing
Sneaky searches: 64% will use a mobile device to plan or book their next trip, predominantly whilst at work
Looking further into the future, Skyscanner predicts supersonic travel will redefine short-haul travel and one in three Americans (34%) expect to vacation among the stars in their lifetime
New research from global travel site Skyscanner reveals that US vacationers are expecting another strong year of travel despite economic uncertainty, but price-led decision making will drive change in 2023. With 86% of US travelers planning to spend the same if not more on travel abroad next year, how they are going to spend will differ. The extent of these changes is revealed in Skyscanner’s detailed Travel Trends 2023 report.
Key trends to come out of the report show that US travelers don’t want the vacation to stop on a Monday morning, but to work where they could vacation and work too. US travelers are also craving experiences grounded in nature and wellbeing. A way to reset and feel normal again. Expect friends to ditch each other in favor of solo adventures, indulge in sneaky smartphone travel searches in the workplace and vacationers navigating the cost-of-living crisis to ensure their time away remains a priority.
For travel in 2023, there’s a lot we want to do differently and some bold expectations on what future travel will entail. Future gazing sees one in three people expecting vacations amongst the stars to be a mainstream reality in their lifetime, while closer to home, advances in supersonic technology could re-define short-haul travel.
“It is clear that we’re hungrier than ever to discover something new – even though we might have less in our pockets next year,” Naomi Hahn, Skyscanner’s VP of strategy, comments. “The aftermath of a pandemic has made travelers look for ways to make up for lost time and create new experiences and memories.
“Consumers are putting value first, post pandemic. The squeeze on personal spending has shown that consumers will still prioritize getting away but are increasingly shopping around on metasearch platforms like Skyscanner. They are also employing simple travel hacks to ensure they get the most for their money, like being flexible in terms of dates and destination. The year looks set to be a year of new discoveries as emerging, pocket friendly destinations come to the fore.”
Skyscanner commissioned its deep-dive research into consumer attitudes and behaviors, combined with proprietary search and booking insights, to reveal its travel predictions. Skyscanner’s report, Travel Trends 2023: The year of price-driven decisions analyzes survey data from 2,000 consumers in the US as well as extensive search and redirect data to provide unique insights into travel plans for 2023 and beyond.
Key trends revealed:
Travel remains a priority: Consumers today look to make better, more informed decisions about their discretionary spend, recent polling revealed: 46% of consumers are planning the same number of vacations in 2023 as 2022, and 41% are thinking of even going on more trips next year. Just 6% are planning to vacation less in 2023. The rising cost of living is still a concern, but 62% have decided to prioritize vacations next year over other big-ticket items.
Shift in spending: 86% of US travelers are planning to spend the same if not more on travel abroad next year, while only 5% are planning to spend less. Travelers are increasingly demanding greater ticket transparency, as well as taking control of the value in their airfares, unbundling of price to build packaged airfares that suit their needs.
Best value destinations for 2023: Skyscanner, which helps travelers compare pricing or choose travel based on budget, can also reveal the destinations that have seen the biggest price drops since pre-pandemic are:
Madeira, Portugal – 22% price drop
Sofia, Bulgaria – 18% price drop
Brussels, Belgium – 13% price drop
Skyscanner’s 2023 hotlist: Travelers are increasingly on the hunt for less popular places that offer undiscovered experiences and unlock better value breaks. In fact, Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search is regularly in the top searches post pandemic. Check out some of the destinations that have seen the biggest increase in searches:
Family hot list:
Jacksonville, USA (570% increase in searches)
Izmir, Turkey (168% increase in searches)
Madeira, Portugal (123% increase in searches)
Couples’ hotlist:
Minneapolis, USA (409% increase in searches)
Preveza, Greece (316% increase in searches)
Santiago de Compostela, Spain (289% increase in searches)
Solo traveling is no longer a niche; over one half of travelers (54%) are looking to escape solo next year. Divorcees (78%) ranked among the highest in their readiness to embark on a solo vacation in 2023 and look set to form a new trend of travelers who are ‘solo and self-focused’. With an increasing number of friendship apps launched and platonic versions of dating apps growing in popularity, there is also the opportunity to hook up with new travel friends and companions.
Sustainability; Sustainable travel continues to grow in consideration for travelers’ decision making: for more than 1 in 4 (24%) it’s even more important now, than prior to the pandemic. With price-led decision making and sustainable travel both top of mind, 11% are considering new, alternative destinations for their next trip.
Nature first; Wildlife spotting appears in the top 3 travel activities planned for vacations, suggesting the pandemic’s emphasis on getting outside for walks and connecting with the local environment is now transferring as a key component of travel plans. Interacting with the environment and watching animals has mood-boosting properties. Skyscanner recommends getting amongst green nature and experiencing the meditative effects of Shinrin-yoku, a new wellness trend that literally means ‘forest bathing’ in 2023.
Making work work for you (and your wallet): 45% of Americans surveyed plan to work while on vacation next year (“bleisure travel”), a strategic move for which the top reason is ‘it means I get more time in destination’ (59%). Cross-referencing the long list of countries that now offer digital nomad visas with their cities’ cost of living index unearths a selection of savvy options for 2023. All cheaper than London’s cost of living index, Skyscanner’s favorites include:
Mexico City, Mexico – Skyscanner has also seen a 591% increase in searches
Zagreb, Croatia – Skyscanner has also seen a 344% increase in searches
Madrid, Spain
Sneaky smartphone searches & social media’s influence; 2 out of 3 US travelers now use a mobile device to plan or book their next trip, with the most popular moment being during work hours or lunch break. Celebs are the number one source of travel inspiration in the US with Instagram being the most FOMO inducing – 52% of travelers stated they’re more likely to book a trip if they’ve seen it on the platform.
So, for those wanting to get ahead of the Insta trend, Skyscanner can reveal their top spot for 2023 is Amman, Jordan (based on least amount of Instagram hashtags cross referenced x 195% increase in Skyscanner searches).
Future travel; 2053 will mark 150 years of the Wright Brothers first airplane flight, a lot has changed since then and travelers are expecting significant developments to be mainstream when hitting that milestone in 30 years’ time.
One in three people (34%) expect to vacation amongst the stars in their lifetime, climbing aboard space craft for Earth sight-seeing day trips to the edge of space and longer trips beyond
Advances in supersonic technology could re-define short-haul travel and Skyscanner’s report reveals 32% of travelers believe it will be a mainstream flight option in the future
Skyscanner’s new consumer research also reveals hot new trends around destinations and embracing “me-time”. From solo to supersonic travel, working while wandering the globe and social media’s influence on vacation selection, check out these and other findings in the full Travel Trends 2023: The year of price-driven decisions report.
Founded in 2003, Skyscanner is a leading travel marketplace dedicated to putting travelers first. Skyscanner helps millions of people in 52 countries and over 30 languages find the best travel options for flights, hotels and car rental every month. Skyscanner is available on desktop, mobile web and its highly rated app has over 110 million downloads. Working with 1200 travel partners, Skyscanner’s mission is to lead the global transformation to modern and sustainable travel.
According to Skyscanner’s executives, the most popular search is for “anywhere. Our mission is to inspire.”
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) released new data showcasing the ongoing devastating impact of COVID-19 on hotel industry employment, including projected hotel job loss through the end of 2021. Without targeted relief from Congress, nationwide, hotels are expected to end 2021 down 500,000 jobs. Hotels are the only major hospitality and leisure segment yet to receive direct aid.
The top five states projected to end 2021 down the highest number of jobs include:
California: 67,169 jobs lost
Florida: 39,560 jobs lost
New York: 38,028 jobs lost
Nevada: 22,282 jobs lost
Hawaii: 20,029 jobs lost
The release of this data follows the introduction of the Save Hotel Jobs Act, legislation to provide targeted federal relief to the ailing hotel industry workforce including up to three months of full payroll support. AHLA and UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality workers union in North America, joined forces last week to call on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), provides a lifeline to hotel workers, providing the assistance they need to survive until travel returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Unfortunately, the road to recovery for the hotel industry is long, the AHLA stated. The recent uptick in leisure travel for spring and summer is encouraging for hotels, however, business travel—the largest source of hotel revenue—is down 85% and is not expected to begin its slow return until the second half of this year. Full recovery is not expected until 2024.
“While many other hard-hit industries have received targeted federal relief, the hotel industry has not. The Save Hotel Jobs Act will provide critical support to hotels and their workers during this crucial period,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “We need Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act to help hotels retain and rehire employees until travel demand, especially business travel, begins to come back.”
No industry has been more affected by the pandemic than hospitality, the AHLA stated. Leisure and hospitality has lost 3.1 million jobs during the pandemic that have yet to return, representing more than a third of all unemployed persons in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even more stark, the unemployment rate in the accommodation sector specifically remains 330% higher than the rest of the economy.
Empty or permanently closed hotels have also had a ripple effect on communities throughout the country, hurting a wide range of businesses that rely on the presence of hotel guests, such as restaurants and retail, hotel supply companies and construction. For every 10 people directly employed on a hotel property, hotels support an additional 26 jobs in the community, from restaurants and retail to hotel supply companies and construction, according to a study by Oxford Economics. With hotels expected to end 2021 down 500,000 jobs, based on the pre-pandemic ratio, an additional 1.3 million hotel-supported jobs are in jeopardy this year without additional support from Congress.
This crisis has been especially devastating in urban areas, hurting minority communities, the AHLA stated. Urban hotels, which are more reliant on business and group travel and more likely to host larger events, ended January down 66% in room revenue compared to last year. According to recent reports, New York City has seen one-third of its hotel rooms—more than 42,000—wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 200 hotels closing permanently in the city.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the main national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry was the first industry impacted, and it will be among the last to recover. That is why AHLA is committed to promoting safe travel while also creating a standardized safety experience nationwide through the Safe Stay initiative. With an enhanced set of health and safety protocols designed to provide a safe and clean environment for all hotel guests and employees, hotels across America are ready to welcome back travelers when they are ready to travel.
The U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel and Lodging Association joined the growing list of business leaders and economists who see President Biden’s American Rescue Plan as critical to addressing the economic crisis caused by the pandemic (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
The U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel and Lodging Association joined the growing list of business leaders and economists who see President Biden’s American Rescue Plan as critical to addressing the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.
The travel industry supports 15.8 million or nearly 1 in 10 American jobs. In a report, the U.S. Travel Association noted in a report that COVID-19 has devastated the travel industry more than any other sector of the economy. In order to get Americans back to work and safely resume travel, the U.S. Travel Association President and CEO said that there has to be immediate action to pass the American Rescue Act.
Robert Dow, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO praised the American Rescue Plan in a speech yesterday, saying “We are encouraged by the measures to provide additional grants and loans to small businesses in the hardest-hit industries, which include travel. The Paycheck Protection Program is set to expire in March, but the economic hardships of the pandemic will persist, so it is important that struggling businesses continue to receive aid to maintain operations and keep workers on payrolls.”
Dow added “there are important components contained in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to help us rebuild, such as providing grants for the hardest hit industries, including travel. Also included in the President’s proposal is additional funding for vaccine distribution which we know is vital to helping travel businesses more robustly reopen.”
And, the market data analyst, STR, recently said that the American Rescue Plan’s proposal for widespread vaccinations would help get the industry back on track “these opening months of the year are going to resemble some of the :slowest of 2020, but we are optimistic that hotel demand will improve as vaccine distribution becomes more widespread and travel confidence grows,” said Amanda Hite, president of STR. “While the early indicators should be visible in Q2, we expect Q3 to be the point where leisure travel shifts into high gear and corporate and group business show more progressive improvement. That will feed into a 2022 that shows a higher level of recovery.”
Meanwhile, the American Hotel & Lodging Association released AHLA’s State of the Hotel Industry 2021” outlining the forecasted state of the hotel industry in 2021 and into the immediate future. The report examines the high-level economics of the hotel industry’s recovery, the specific impact on and eventual return of business travel, and consumer travel sentiments.
